It’s All About Who You Write For

Most of the time when I write online it feels like I’m writing to no one. As I pour thought and time into my posts I am strangely reminded that outside of my friends and family nobody really cares who I am. I’m not famous. I’m not rich. And I sure as hell haven’t done anything note worthy to be remembered in history – at least not yet.

The thing is, I don’t write for you people. Sure, it’s great if you’re reading this. In fact if you are, thank you! As a human I crave attention, as we all do, and it’s a cheering thought that maybe someone out there is reading my words, relating to them, or at least being entertained by them. But even if nobody ever reads this blog I wouldn’t stop writing on it.

That’s because I’m writing for me.

I write because it helps put my life into perspective. I take ideas, thoughts, and events from my life and shape them into words. This allow me to find deeper meaning and truth; to find reason behind action. I understand myself a little bit more after every time I write.

They say you’re only a writer if you write everyday. I agree with this – to an extent. I write many times a week and as often as I can. I never forget to put my thoughts onto paper, whether in my journal, my blog, my research or my book. I think commitment to my ideas and stories is truly what makes me a writer because this commitment is what makes me actually write! And yes, if you don’t write you’re not a writer – but I think every writer deserves some slack. A day here or there to be free from the confines of the critic, of the man shouting down “You didn’t write today? You’re not a real writer!!”

Okay, now this doesn’t count if you haven’t written in over a month. Even if a week has gone by and you haven’t written something – anything – I’d question if you truly could call yourself a writer. Writing can be a hobby to some people. Just because you write doesn’t mean you’re a writer.

But to be a writer you definitely have to write. And the way I have found I like to write best is if I’m writing for myself.

Trying to write for other people leaves me unsatisfied. I’m writing for me. And if someone else happens to like what I write too – ? Then good. It means maybe I’m not only a writer, but maybe I might actually be a good writer.